AKC NEVADA - DEVELOPING A PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC-HEALTH COMMUNICATIONS

Introduction: The Nevada All Kids Count immunization tracking system h as as its primary goal the development of a statewide on-line immuniza tion registry. In pursuing this goal, a major accomplishment has been the creation of a public health network that electronically links the Nevada State Health Division with other public health agencies. Design : The design of this immunization registry calls for a phased implemen tation of the project; rural public health clinics were brought into t he system; next, Nevada's two urban health districts in Reno and Las V egas were connected via a wide-area network (WAN). This topology now m akes it possible to share public health information throughout Nevada. Results: Throughout immunization registry implementation, a variety o f opportunities for connecting public health entities has arisen. Bure aus within the Nevada State Health Division have been integrated into a local area network (LAN). The WAN implemented in Reno connected the Health Division to a large number of public health agencies in Washoe County through the county's information system that was already in pla ce. Conclusions: A project such as All Kids Count Nevada can provide s ignificant benefits to the public health community as a whole, which w ill help ensure its own long-term success.